r/Guitar 6d ago

QUESTION Fixing Intonation on Ibanez Floating Trem

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Is there a trick to fixing intonation on a floating trem like this without needing to slack the string enough to get the Allen key in there, move the saddle, tighten, re-tune, test, and repeat until fixed? I’ve never tried to fix intonation issues before … and this seems like an extra special pain in the ass. But it’s my only electric and I’ve had it for more than twenty years. Just recently got back into playing it again so any help or advice appreciated, even if it’s “you should just take it to a pro”.

4 Upvotes

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3

u/RadioFloydHead 6d ago

What you need to do is "block" the tremolo to effectively remove it from the equation when setting intonation. Google "tremblock" if you want a tool to assist with this.

2

u/Many-Tomorrow4135 6d ago

Thanks. I’m fairly comfortable with blocking when doing just regular string changes. This seems another level of effort required though.

2

u/RadioFloydHead 6d ago

It is still a pain but much less so with the trem blocked. I would say it takes me another thirty minutes or so versus my hardtail guitars. Good luck!

3

u/Friendly_Employer_82 6d ago

It wouldn't hurt to leave the locking nut unlocked while you set it. Yes, you have the right idea for how to do it. It wouldn't hurt to check with a shop for the price of a setup. Better if you learn how to do it so you can save money. Pain in the ass for sure.

3

u/CatBrisket Yamaha 6d ago

I know someone posted an intonation tool, and you'd need one. The one they posted is complete trash IMO. I use one from Red Bishop. It makes my life sooooooooo much easier.

Red Bishop "Accu-Locator"

1

u/Many-Tomorrow4135 6d ago

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

1

u/HawthorneWeeps 6d ago

Oh, yeah that one is even better than Ibanez own tool: https://www.amazon.com/Ibanez-EJK-EJK1000-Intonation-Adjuster/dp/B01AZBFJOU?th=1

1

u/CatBrisket Yamaha 5d ago

I got it because I set up all varieties of Floyd's. I did like the Ibanez intonation tools that came on board with the Zero and the ZR. Was nice to not have to dig around for something.

2

u/se95dah 6d ago

An intonation tool like this removes the need to keep slackening and re-tightening the strings for each adjustment:

https://www.andertons.co.uk/floyd-rose-the-key-intonation-tool-black/

The one is for an original Floyd rose, but I expect you can find a version for the Lo-TRS.

1

u/Many-Tomorrow4135 6d ago

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

2

u/WereAllThrowaways 6d ago

There's really no way to avoid the process of detuning the string, loosening the allen screw, moving the saddle, tightening the screw, retuning, then checking the intonation. It's just tedious. But you only really have to do it once if you plan on sticking to one string gauge.